Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez ready to hand Fernando Torres a rest

20 January 2013 11:05

Chelsea's interim manager Rafa Benitez is ready to take Fernando Torres out of the firing line and offer him a rest.
Torres' struggles at Stamford Bridge since completing a record-breaking £50million move are well-documented, with the Spaniard having struggled for form throughout his stay in the capital.
It was hoped that a spell under Benitez, who brought the best out of him during their time together at Liverpool, would bring about a reversal in fortune.
Unfortunately, no dramatic improvement has materialised and Benitez has now hinted that he is ready to give Torres a break - with Demba Ba having been added to the Chelsea ranks to help shoulder the attacking workload.
Ahead of Sunday's derby date with Arsenal, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Benitez said: "Torres is a Chelsea player and the fans have to understand that he will always do his best. "It is really important for everyone to understand the way to win is to win together.
"Hopefully we can change that now if Torres can rest. He will be fresher and fitter and play at the level we know he can play."